COACHES

Owner, John Rothell. CF-L1 Trainer, Judges Certification

I grew up on the east coast of Florida, in Titusville. I’ve always loved being active, whether in sports or just recreationally. I come from a big family that has always meant everything to me. Now I have my own family, my wife Jill and two boys (Carter and Foster), as well as my extended family at Southwood CrossFit. My favorite things seem to always revolve around the water, whether hanging out at the beach, fishing, or just taking an afternoon on the boat (admittedly, I haven’t done much of this lately!), I’ve always been drawn to the coast. During the day, I’m a political consultant working on different campaigns throughout Florida.

What is your fitness background?

I can’t remember a time I didn’t participate in some sports/fitness activity. Growing up, my siblings were involved in organized sports, so I naturally wanted to be involved. At some point I've played nearly every sport, but found I had an affinity for football, baseball and track. In the end, I gravitated toward track, specifically the hurdles in high school as a national champion and all-american. I went to Florida State University on a track scholarship, finishing my career as all-american and competed in the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Trials. I suppose that all counts as a “fitness” background. In 1997 I became a personal trainer while continuing to work at the 400 Hurdles. I trained clients and worked at Gold’s Gym for several years thereafter, learning the true art of forming relationships and hoping to change lives. I continued working out without much direction until I tried CrossFit. I knew immediately that this is what I should be doing. It was something different everyday, challenging yet scaleable (I needed to scale badly!), and the community was great, yet had so much potential.

What made you decide to become a CrossFit Coach?

While I loved CrossFit, the coaches, the athletes, and everything about it - there seemed to be something missing for me. I knew I wanted to be a coach, but wasn’t sure that would be enough. I felt like Jill and I needed to put our stamp on it. In short, I became a coach to someday open my own gym and bring my coaching style to those who would be attracted to it.

What is your favorite thing about being a coach?

Seeing results in our athletes/friends. There is nothing I love more than someone getting a gold star, or someone finishing a workout they wanted to quit. To see personal achievements on some level everyday and know it may have been a struggle for that person just to get to the gym that day (I know it is some days! Physically, and mentally). You may not know this about me, but I don’t get all excited and jump up and down all the time, but believe me I am doing that on the inside.

Brandon Griffith. CF-L1 Trainer, Judges Certification

I have lived in Tallahassee all of my life. From a young age I was always active doing something. I’m the oldest of four children and have two sisters and a brother. I met my wife, Sarah, in high school and we’ve been married for 11 years. We have two beautiful and energetic daughters, Savannah and Summer. When I’m not at the gym I enjoy spending time with my family and going on trips. My other job consists of training the next generation of Crossfiters as a physical education teacher at Chaires Elementary School.

What is your fitness background?

I started lifting weights when I 13 years old. In high school I competed in weightlifting and qualified for state three years. After high school I completed my degree in physical education because I wanted to teach kids about the importance of staying active. In April of 2013 I did a “WOD” for the very first time and was hooked. I’ve been doing Crossfit ever since. I obtained my Level 1 Crossfit certificate in April 2015.

What made you decide to become a Crossfit coach?

My passion for fitness led me to become a Crossfit coach. I wanted to help and encourage others in an area that I enjoy so much. I know what it’s like to go through a hard workout (not that any are ever easy) and having your coach say a few words of encouragement to help you push through.

What is your favorite thing about being a coach?My favorite thing about being a coach is getting to see athletes work towards their goals. It’s very rewarding when I get to see an athlete achieve a goal like getting a pull up for the first time or shaving seconds off a benchmark WOD.

Scott Perdue. CF-L1 Trainer, Judges Certification

I was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL. I love the 904 and still have a ton of family there! Growing up, I enjoyed playing team sports and staying active. Offshore fishing was also a huge part of my life in Jax, and I love any chance I get to be back out on the water! I came to Tallahassee as a college student at FSU, and have loved living here ever since. My wife Katie and I have two boys, Asher and Hayes, who keep us busy when we aren't in the gym (and often when we are!). I work at Florida State as a campus minister and love that I get to still be involved at my alma mater. Go Noles!

What is your fitness background?Honestly, just recreation! Like I said I've always liked being active, whether it be days at the beach or playing team sports. I played soccer and tennis in high school, some IMs in college, but generally just tried to stay somewhat healthy and fit. Until I started CrossFit, I was the guy who'd make it to a gym consistently, but didn't necessarily have a plan or know what I really needed to do to excel, or set and achieve fitness goals. CrossFit revolutionized my fitness and overall well-being.

What made you decide to become a CrossFit coach?I think seeing my own experience and wanting to help replicate that for others. I'm in the best shape of my life now, thanks to the programming and trainers at SWCF. I saw an opportunity to help people really change their lives, not just their fitness routine, and I couldn't resist.

What is your favorite thing about being a coach?Helping create an environment where anyone can succeed. Every person's fitness goals, and next steps, are different. The great thing about CrossFit is it's universal adaptability- any person can walk into our gym, be challenged, and take steps toward bettering their health and their life. No one is disqualified or incapable. Being able to help someone in that process is incredibly rewarding, and fostering the fantastic community that our gym has is a privilege!